"Abdu, Abdu, Abdu" - Repeated call, presumably referring to an individual named Abdu.
Fiery Display at the Roses' Debut
The emblematic moment couldn't be clearer. At the 80th minute, Latifah Abdu, scorer of her second "golazo" in as many games, left the pitch to a thunderous applause from the eager crowd behind the net. As she approached the corner, her name was chanted, her grin widened, her eyes moistened until they were covered by her hands, overwhelmed with emotion.
Our Unbiased Correspondent, Unveiled
This tearjerking moment happened roughly ten minutes before the final whistle that sealed Montreal Roses' 2-1 victory over Ottawa Rapids, Saturday afternoon, in the inaugural game of the team in their Boreal Stadium, nestled in Laval.
frankly, I didn't predict this. The venue was filled with love and camaraderie. The stadium felt like one big family. I was on the brink of tears. The emotions were powerful.
Latifah Abdu
The symbol was poignant, hence, because it's exactly what encouraged the founding of the Roses, and the North Super League in general. To motivate the future generations, to provide them with role models that have been absent locally in the nation. Until today: Latifah Abdu, a Quebec-born player returning from her European adventure, became the day's queen - and the season's opener - in Montreal.
"I'm delighted for her because she deserves it," commented head coach Robert Rositoiu. "She's still putting in incredible performances in all moments of the game. And because of that, she's rewarded."
Whilst writing these lines, much more than two hours after she electrified the crowd with her remarkable goal at 52, Abdu was still swarmed with adoring fans. This scene unfolded inside the Multi-Sports Complex, at the entrance of the Roses' operations center.
One of them, in particular, started jumping with joy when it was her turn. Then, everybody was bewildered when a young boy, seemingly the fan's brother, spontaneously wrapped his arms around the player, who was still donning her match jersey. A moving sign that the rise of women's sports expands opportunities for young girls and boys alike.
Daring Leaps on the Field
Of course, Abdu wasn't the only force behind this breathtaking Montreal victory. Her goal confirmed the locals' powerful comeback in the second half, following a less convincing first period. Ottawa Rapids scored the first goal at 40, from Delaney Baie Pridham's foot, after a defensive error by Jodi Smith.
At half-time, we looked each other in the eyes and said, "OK, let's go."
Robert Rositoiu, head coach of Montreal Roses
They went for it. Montreal offensives wave after wave, while the crowd attempted to match their spirit. This infectious energy, from the field to the stands, from the stands to the field, culminated in success.
At 70, Tanya Boychuk scored another ravishing goal, this time with her head, giving Montreal the lead. In celebration, the former diver executed pirouettes in the center of the field, conquesting the already sold-out Montreal hearts even more.
"Honestly, I haven't done this in four years!" she chuckled during a press conference. In the first game, if you watch the video, I was preparing to do a flip... but if I had, I would've knocked [Megan Sauvé] right in the face!"
The moment was well-timed, considering her diving friends were in attendance. "I did it for them!"
The Roses' Unbeaten Streak Continues
With three victories in three matches, the Roses of Montreal are off to an unblemished start in the inaugural season of the North Super League.
But this one will remain memorable for the players for a long time.
"Latifah and I, it's been a really long time since we played a home match," added Tanya Boychuck, an Alberta-born forward who chose Montreal after spending the last few years in Sweden and Iceland.
"For seven years, I've never been able to sing the Canadian national anthem. It was either Swedish or Icelandic. While I was singing, I saw the little girls in the stands. It's really special. We hope to inspire the next generation."
- The symbolic nature of Latifah Abdu's performance echoes the initial motivation behind the Montreal Roses and the North Super League itself, aiming to provide local youth with outstanding role models in sports.
- Teetonio, the unbiased correspondent, was deeply moved by the family-like atmosphere and camaraderie that filled the Boreal Stadium during the Montreal Roses' debut game against Ottawa Rapids.
- After scoring her second 'golazo' in as many games and receiving a thunderous applause, Latifah Abdu, Queen of the season's opener, was still swarmed with adoring fans, even hours after the game, in the Multi-Sports Complex.
- Tanya Boychuk, Alberta-born forward for the Montreal Roses, was reminded of her Canadian roots during the inaugural game, as she sang the national anthem while little girls watched in awe.
- In celebration of scoring the lead goal, Tanya Boychuk, a former diver, performed pirouettes on the field, hoping to inspire the next generation of young athletes in health-and-wellness, lifestyle, and women's health.
- With three victories in their first three matches, the Montreal Roses are off to an unblemished start in the inaugural season of the North Super League, creating an exciting atmosphere for the sports and relationships community in Montreal.
- The Roses' impressive performance on the football field served as a symbol for Montreal's expanding health-and-wellness, lifestyle, family-dynamics, and relationships landscape, showing that women's sports offer valuable opportunities for both boys and girls.
